Casualties
Guidelines For Dealing With Casualties
Since the Yorkshire Red Kite releases began in 1999, many birds have been found dead or injured. Post-mortem examination and analysis has shown that some incidents were due to natural causes or accident.
However, the majority of casualties have been
caused by poisoning and shooting. As the population increases, more casualties are inevitable. The circumstances of each incident will vary, but the
following guidelines should assist if a dead or injured kite is found:
Protect Yourself
- Take Care not to put yourself in any danger.
- Unless there is an obvious physical cause of death or injury, be alert to the possible presence of poison.
- Do not handle the bird or any possible poisoned bait with bare hands.
- Unless it is necessary to do so, do not touch them at all!
Protect the Site
- It may be a scene of crime
- Do not disturb potential evidence
- Take photographs of the site and victim(s)
- Make a note of anything untoward, including descriptions of any suspects and their vehicle registration details
- Keep people and animals away
- Take an Ordnance Survey grid reference
Is the bird alive?
- If so, a welfare issue arises
- Contact
RSPCA - 0845 1234 999
- Alternatively, take the bird to the nearest veterinary practice if this is feasible- remembering not to handle it with bare hands
Is Illegal Activity Suspected?
- If shooting or poisoning is suspected, contact the Police immediately.
Humberside Police- 0845 60 60 222,
North Yorkshire Police- 0845 60 60 247,
South Yorkshire- 0114 220 20 20 or
West Yorkshire- 0845 60 60 606,
- Ask to speak urgently to a Wildlife Crime Officer
Is Poisoned Suspected?
- Are there multiple deaths or an obvious poison bait and victim(s)
- If so, notify the Wildlife Incident Investigation Scheme (WIIS) on 0800 321 600, in addition to the Police
- If possible, cover the victim(s) and any likely bait
Further Advice
Can be sought from the RSPB Investigations Team:
01767 693399 during office hours or
07738 035 050 at other times.
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